The Mountain of Kept Memory

"A prince and a princess must work together to save their kingdom from invaders...and dangers within"-- Provided by publisher."In this gorgeous fantasy in the spirit of Guy Gavriel Kay and Robin McKinley, a prince and a princess must work together to save their kingdom from outside invaders...and dangers within. Long ago the Kieba, last goddess in the world, raised up her mountain in the drylands of Carastind. Ever since then she has dwelled and protected the world from unending plagues and danger... Gulien Madalin, heir to the throne of Carastind, finds himself more interested in ancient history than the tedious business of government and watching his father rule. But Gulien suspects that his father has offended the Kieba so seriously that she has withdrawn her protection from the kingdom. Worse, he fears that Carastind's enemies suspect this as well. Then he learns that he is right. And invasion is imminent. Meanwhile Gulien's sister Oressa has focused on what's important: avoiding the attention of her royal father while keeping track of all the secrets at court. But when she overhears news about the threatened invasion, she's shocked to discover what her father plans to give away in order to buy peace. But Carastind's enemies will not agree to peace at any price. They intend to not only conquer the kingdom, but also cast down the Kieba and steal her power. Now, Gulien and Oressa must decide where their most important loyalties lie, and what price they are willing to pay to protect the Kieba, their home, and the world"-- Provided by publisher.

Comment

One thing I found especially enjoyable is that the book itself feels almost like a mountain of memories. It gives all these impressions and elements that seem to be from the type of fantasy stories that I loved when I was younger. However, it mingles with more modern writing techniques so it doesn't feel dated or simplistic like some of those earlier fantasies. I can't go back to some of those -- they just don't hold up my adult preferences. But THIS novel gives them back to me in a way that I can appreciate these decades later. It's quite an accomplishment.